President Trump’s recent budget cuts are hitting education and research hard. Federal funding has been frozen for multiple universities, putting important science and technology projects at risk. These cuts also affect student financial aid and programs supporting low-income and first-generation college students. Some schools may have to reduce services or staff. While health programs are also impacted, the biggest concern for many is how these cuts will limit educational opportunities and slow down research that benefits the whole country.
For 11 years, Paul Hernandez has been a Social Studies teacher. Hernandez enjoys the opportunity to consistently help his students learn and progress onto the next phase of their lives. Teaching and making connections with students is something he enjoys throughout his career. When asked how President Trump’s education cuts might affect school resources, he answered, “All of our writing utensils, papers, poster board papers, stuff like that, theoretically, all that could be affected, now it comes out of my pocket.” Many districts, especially those in low-income areas, rely heavily on federal aid to supplement their limited local budgets. Without it, teachers often have to pay out of pocket to fill the gaps, and students may go without the tools they need to learn effectively. Hernandez emphasizes, “If you want to have a successful democratic society, you need people to be educated. Any cuts that hinder that process will mainly affect the lower to middle class, who will feel the biggest negative effects.”
Brenda Noel has been teaching for 18 years, although this is her first year at Ridgeview teaching World History. Noel admitted, “Where I think we might see it is in higher academia. So, like, doing research, that will be heavily impacted.” Universities rely on federal grants to support scientific research, faculty positions, and student scholarships, especially in fields like medicine, engineering, and environmental science. Noel advises students and parents, “Being knowledgeable is the first step towards change. I just think that people need to continue to try to make their voices heard when they’re unhappy with how the government is operating. That’s the way to encourage change.”
Andrew Garza is a 10th grader at Ridgeview. Garza loves the spirit and energy on campus as well as the number of science classes that are offered. When asked if funding cuts in education will make college or higher education more difficult to afford, Garza responds, “Yeah, definitely. If people don’t have access to financial aid, they have way fewer opportunities to get into their dream university where they want to pursue… like a certain education.” Education funding cuts can significantly impact federal financial aid programs, introducing uncertainty and potential disruptions for millions of students. Garza adds, “I think it’s important for students to be heard, because ultimately we are the future of this country. Our education must be a priority.”
President Trump’s education funding cuts aim to reduce the Department of Education’s role and shift more control to states. In higher education, the cuts threaten federal financial aid programs, creating uncertainty for millions of students. Critics warn these changes could worsen educational inequality, especially for low-income and marginalized communities.
